Israel conducted a “widespread wave” of airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday following a series of missile assaults from Hezbollah terrorists that killed one Israeli and injured eight others.
The Israeli military decimated several of the terror group’s compounds, control rooms and terror infrastructure, the IDF touted, with chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi vowing to continue the bombardments.
“The next campaign will have a very strong offensive, and we will use all our tools and capabilities,” he said during a meeting with leaders in northern Israel, where thousands have been displaced over the conflict with Hezbollah.
“There is still a long way to go,” he added.
The airstrikes across Lebanon were aimed at Hezbollah bases in Jabal el Braij, Houneh, Dunin, Aadchit, and Souaneh, with several of the targets hit belonging to the terror group’s elite Redwan Forces, the IDF said.
Eight Israelis were injured and one killed after a series of missiles launched from Lebanon hit Safed on Wednesday morning. Xinhua/Shutterstock
An Israeli officer inspects one of the impact craters left by the rocket fire. AFP via Getty ImagesHezbollah-linked media outlets reported that at least four civilians, including a woman and her two sons, were killed in one of the airstrikes that hit Souaneh.
The airstrikes came just hours after several missiles from Lebanon hit the northern Israeli city of Safed, killing one IDF soldier and injuring eight other people.
The IDF identified the slain soldier as Staff Sgt. Omer Sarah Benjo, 20, a member of the 869th Combat Intelligence Collection unit, the Times of Israel reports.
More than 100,000 people living in northern Israel have been displaced by the daily rocket fire from Lebanon. AFP via Getty ImagesThe Magen David Adom emergency service said those injured in the strike, who included another service member, only suffered moderate to light injuries.
Hezbollah has yet to comment on the strike in Safed or claim responsibility for the attack.
As tensions continue to rise between the Jewish state and Hezbollah, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the latest missile strikes from Lebanon were tantamount to a declaration of war.
A military helicopter transports one of the wounded from Safed to a nearby hospital. AFP via Getty ImagesDue to the daily attacks between the IDF and Hezbollah, more than 100,000 Israelis living in the north have been forced to evacuate their homes since the hostilities began four months ago.
Despite the rocket attacks, Safed Mayor Shuki Ohana told Israel’s Army Radio that no evacuation order is being considered for the city, where shelters are in short supply.
“We have all the plans for it, but it’s not on the table right now,” he told the broadcaster Wednesday. “If needed, we’ll implement the plan.”
The Iran-backed terror group, an ally of Hamas, has vowed to keep up its attacks in northern Israel until the IDF withdraws from Gaza.
